Ipswich man performs well for England Disability Bowls team

Alfie Orvis, 20, was selected to represent England at the world championship in Welkom, South Africa. 

Along with his bowls partner, Jack Pullin, the pair took part in the men's doubles tournament and won nearly all of their games. 

They beat the likes of Canada, Thailand, Malaysia and hosts South Africa, but two losses towards the end meant they could not get into the finals. 

Alfie Orvis lost two games towards the end of his doubles tournament, but has hopes set high for the singles yet to begin (Image: Lindsay Nunn)

Mr Orvis' family said: "We are so proud of all that he has already done and overcome in his way.

"The men's single tournament is still left and we are sure he would perform exceptionally there as well."

The single's tournament starts on Saturday, May 25, where Mr Orvis would have a chance once again to win a medal.

He was set on this journey to represent the national team when he met former England bowls player John Rednall and his daughter, who happens to be his idol Katherine Rednall. 

The pair advised the English disability bowls team of Orvis' ability, and they invited him on their trial in Leamington Spa last year - after which he was subsequently selected for the national team.

Orvis started playing Bowls with his grandfather at the age of eight (Image: NQ)

Mr Orvis had a stroke just after he was born that led to him having cerebral palsy.

However, his family say that growing up he was always a determined boy ready to overcome any adversities, and when he was eight he started playing against his grandfather, Peter Emsden. 

Mr Orvis has since taken part in multiple local bowls events and joined the national disability bowls trial last year, and now he has the opportunity to bring home a medal representing his country.